Suspects accused of throwing explosive devices at rightwing anti-Islam protesters as tensions rise across US
E
arly on Monday afternoon, two teens in white plastic jumpsuits were escorted into a Manhattan federal courtroom. Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, who were shackled and handcuffed, quietly took their seats at the defense table.
If not for the metal restraints and jail garb, Balat, 18, and Kayumi, 19, could have been any number of young men who carry themselves with an aura of discomfort about their place in America.
Balat, a high school senior and Kayumi, a recent graduate, are accused Islamic State supporters who allegedly traveled from Philadelphia’s suburbs to New York City on Saturday with plans to detonate explosives outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home.
